ANN ARBOR -- After a season's worth of two steps forward, one step backward and general frustration, Michigan football coach Brady Hoke had no problem getting down to business with his coaching staff.

When it came to the topic of player development -- especially with the team's younger performers -- Michigan's 2013 season just wasn't good enough.

And that has to change.

Right now.

"I told them (player development wasn't good enough this year), at every position," Hoke said last week. "(I told the) staff, and (it starts with me). ... I know we need to do a better job.

"I just didn't think, starting with me, we did as good a job (as we needed to) in developing this team."

Hoke says his words to the coaching staff last month weren't thrown down as a challenge, but more of a clearing of the air.

When he met with the group to go over what happened last year, and what needs to change to improve the Wolverines' 7-6 record, development was understandably a hot topic.

"I coach the two inside (defensive linemen), I thought Willie (Henry) got better, but when you give up however many yards we gave up against Ohio (State), you're not doing a real good job in there," Hoke said. "It's everybody."

The most notable struggles, from a youth standpoint, obviously came along the offensive line -- as the Wolverines continued to shuffle and change lineups (mostly with young bodies) in the third-worst rushing season (125.7 yards per game) the program's seen since the 1960s.

The only coaching change Hoke has officially made to his staff thus far was the firing of former offensive coordinator Al Borges and the hiring of Doug Nussmeier.

Michigan offensive line coach Darrell Funk remains in place on Hoke's staff, as 2014 will be his seventh year as Hoke's front five coach. However, Nussmeier will also have a hand in improving that group.

Asked earlier this week during an MGoBlue signing day special what the biggest trait of his offense will be next season, Nussmeier didn't mince words.

"We're not going to go backwards" he said.

As for the rest of the roster, Hoke said he continues to be glad with the way Michigan wide receivers coach Jeff Hecklinski and tight ends coach Dan Ferrigno have developed the team's pass catchers, and did note a few bodies on the defensive side of the ball -- namely defensive lineman Chris Wormley.

But also added "there were a lot of guys where you'd have liked to have seen them take more steps forward."

How does that happen in 2014?

Per Hoke, it's all on the staff.

"That's always on you as a coach," he said. "That's just how I felt, and I was being honest.

"I think you're just being honest and truthful (when you admit that), and the one thing with guys who have done this long enough ... they already know."